Setas de Sevilla
Completed in 2011, the world’s largest wooden structure—resembling a hobbyist’s model on an enormous scale—fills Plaza de la Encarnación. It was originally named Metropol Parasol, but everyone calls it Las Setas (The Mushrooms). While it is not universally loved by locals, it has quickly become a must-see landmark and has pulled the city’s touristic center of gravity northward.
The plaza was previously the site of a public market, and when work began to replace it, important Roman and Almohad ruins were discovered. Underground, you can wander among mosaics and columns in the glass-boxed Antiquarium (admission 2€) Above, the canopies designed by the German architect Jürgen Mayer swoop over an upscale market with food stalls and tapas bars. It’s hard to imagine the elliptical wooden pieces will still be here in 500 years’ time, but it is great fun to promenade around the upper decks, which include a bar, restaurant, and some of Sevilla’s finest views. The ticket price includes an audio guide, a short movie about Sevilla, and a light show at night. Book online for a timed slot.
Completed in 2011, the world’s largest wooden structure—resembling a hobbyist’s model on an enormous scale—fills Plaza de la Encarnación. It was originally named Metropol Parasol, but everyone calls it Las Setas (The Mushrooms). While it is not universally loved by locals, it has quickly become a must-see landmark and has pulled the city’s touristic center of gravity northward.
The plaza was previously the site of a public market, and when work began to replace it, important Roman and Almohad ruins were discovered. Underground, you can wander among mosaics and columns in the glass-boxed Antiquarium (admission 2€) Above, the canopies designed by the German architect Jürgen Mayer swoop over an upscale market with food stalls and tapas bars. It’s hard to imagine the elliptical wooden pieces will still be here in 500 years’ time, but it is great fun to promenade around the upper decks, which include a bar, restaurant, and some of Sevilla’s finest views. The ticket price includes an audio guide, a short movie about Sevilla, and a light show at night. Book online for a timed slot.
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